Titration of Alkalinity of Water (P Value, M Value and Acid Consumption)

Analysis outlining the titration method for quantitative determination of the alkalinity of water. The alkalinity of water is a measure of its capacity to neutralize acids. The alkalinity of natural water is due to the salts of carbonate, bicarbonate, borates, silicates, and phosphates along with the hydroxyl ions in free state. The major portion of the alkalinity in natural waters is caused by hydroxide, carbonate and bicarbonates, which may be ranked in order of their association with high pH values. Alkalinity values provide guidance in applying proper doses of chemicals in water and waste water treatment processes, particularly in coagulation and softening. The alkalinity of water (also referred to as “p value” and “m value” or acid consumption) is defined as the consumption of hydronium ions up to pH 8.3 and pH 4.5. The results can be expressed as mg/L CaCO3, mmol/l °dH (Grad deutsche Härte/German hardness degree) and other units. The procedure in this application is performed using the Schott Instruments TitroLine 6000 Routine Titrator or TitroLine 7000 Advanced Titrator. Note: The alkalinity method is stored as a default method inside the TitroLine 6000 and 7000.

Titration of Alkalinity of Water (P Value, M Value and Acid Consumption)